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Male Fertility Before and After Androgen Abuse.
Josefine Windfeld-Mathiasen1, Kim Peder Dalhoff1,2, Jon Trærup Andersen1,2
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Male androgen use temporarily reduces fertility, but most users achieve parenthood naturally. Fertility rates in androgen users approach those of the general population after sanctions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine
- Sports Science and Anti-Doping Research
Background:
- Previous research indicates a higher infertility diagnosis rate in male androgen users.
- Androgen use is prevalent in certain populations, necessitating fertility investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of androgen use on male fertility.
- To compare fertility rates between androgen users and a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 545 males who tested positive for androgens in Danish fitness centers (2006-2018).
- Matched 5450 male controls by birth year.
- Followed participants for up to 10 years prior to testing positive and until May 2018.
Main Results:
- Androgen users had a 26% lower fertility rate in the 10 years before testing positive (RR 0.74).
- Post-sanction, fertility rates significantly improved, showing only a 7% lower rate at follow-up (RR 0.93).
- Prevalence of assisted reproduction was similar between androgen users (5.69%) and controls (5.28%).
Conclusions:
- Androgen use is linked to a transient decrease in male fertility.
- Most androgen users can achieve parenthood without medical assistance.
- Overall fertility and assisted reproduction rates in androgen users are comparable to the general population.
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